Heddle bar locking system for heddle frames and the like



G. F. BAHAN Feb. 15, 1938.

HEDDLE BAR LOCKING SYSTEM FOR HEDDLE FRAMES AND THE LIKE Filed April 20, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l Gsones Fl BnHnN awe/Whom G. F. BAHAN Feb. 15, 1938.

HEDDLE BAR LOCKING SYSTEM FOR HEDDLE FRAMES AND THE LIKE 2 sheets sheet 2 Fired April 20, 1936 GEORGE E BRHAN Patented Feb. 1 5, 1938 UNITED STATES HEDDLE BAR LOCKING SYSTEM FOR HED- DLE FRAMES AND THE LIKE George F. Bahan, Charlotte, N. 0. Application April 20, 1936, Serial No. 75,433

10 Claims.

This invention relates to a heddle bar locking system for heddle frames and the like and more especially to a locking system comprising a plurality of hooked members located in spaced relation on the heddle frame for removably supporting. the heddle bar. Each of the hooked membersiwhich holds the heddle bar in position has an alternating over-lapping hooked portion. For example, the over-lapping portion over-laps the lower side of the bar on the first hook and the upper portion of the bar on the second hook, and so on, thereby holding the heddle bar in rigid position within the hooks. It is evident by using a device of this type that no Slide movements, springs or nuts are necessary to securely lock the heddle bar in position, since the over-lapping portions of the hook members engage first one side of the bar and then the other to hold the bar in rigid position.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a one-piece bar lock having a notch therein for accommodating the heddle bar, which bar lock cooperates with a. second one-piece bar lock also having a. notch therein alined with said first notch for accommodating the heddle bar, each of said first and second bars having an overlapping notch therein communicating with the alined notches, said overlapping notches being staggered with respect to the heddle bar to confine! the edges of the bar within the alined notches.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a locking system for heddle bars comprising one member having a hooked effect on the bottom with a notch in said member adjoining said hook for accommodating a heddle bar, and second member having a notch therein for accommodating the heddle bar with a hook eifect on the upper side of said bar, to cause the heddle bar to be held in rigid position within both of said notches. The bar is held in position in the first locking member by the hooked effect on the bottom and the sized space or notch on the top to conform to the exact size of the heddle bar. The bar is held in position in the second locking member by the hooked effect on top and the sized space on the bottom conforming to the exact size of the bar.

It is another object of this invention to provide a heddle frame with a bracing bar which is endowed with the same features as the bar looks just described and which is adapted to cooperate with the other locking means. The bracing bar is provided to keep the frame from springing or spreading from its normal position, especially on long and wide frames.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a heddle frame with a. bracing bar having a one-piece locking system. incorporated therein, with means for quickly attaching and detaching the same from the heddle frame without the necessity of loosening nuts, bolts and the like. This bar is made quickly detachable from the frame by providing a suitable cavity at each end thereof, in which a spring pressed ball is adapted to fit, the ends of said bracing bar having transverse open-ended slots therein adapted to fit over suitable pins, which pins are connected to a suitable bolt secured in opposed rail members of the heddle frame. The ball and cavity prevents the bar from becoming disengaged from the pins and also prevents vibration of the same, taking strains off the heddles at the point where a springing or bulging of the frame might occur.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of portion of a heddle frame showing the invention applied thereto, and showing only a few of the heddles;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1 and omitting the heddles;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 1;

Figure?) is a sectional detail view taken. along the line 5-5 in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 2 but showing a modified form;

Figure '7 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 3 embodying the modified form shown in Figure6;

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional View similar to Figure 4 embodying the modified form shown in Figures 6 and '7.

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 2 showing another modified form;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of the same form as Figure 9 and being similar to Figure 3;

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the same form as shown in Figures 9 and 10 and being similar to Figure 4.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the numerals l0 and l I indicate the upper and lower bars of a heddle frame which has secured to each end thereof for forming the corners of the heddle frame, straps I3 and I4. These strap-s have suitable holes in the ends thereof which are penetrated by stud bolts i5, said stud bolts having their ends threadably secured in the ends of bars ii. A tubular spacer i5 is disposed between the straps l3 and i4 and this spacer is alsopenetrated by the stud bolts l6. By constructing the corner of the heddle frame in the manner shown it is possible to obtain a very rigid framework which will prevent distortion or unnecessary Vibration.

Secured to the upper bar ill are bar locks 20, 2:, 2i and 25, the members 2| and being identical to the members 2| and 20. Disposed near the central portion of the frame is an intermediate brace 22 which connects the upper and lower bars I9 and H. This bar also has a locking means incorporated therein similar to the locking means shown in bar 2| The bars 25, 2i, 22, 2! and 25 cooperate with each other to hold the heddle bars 25 in the position shown in Figure 1.

Likewise the lower bar H has bar locks 26, 21, 2i and 25 secured to the upper portion thereof for holding the lower heddle bar 28 in the position shown in Figure 1. The central portion of the bar 28 is also engaged by the locking means on the lower end of strut or brace 22.

The form of locking means shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive is for a double heddle frame; however since the locking means for both sides of the frame is identical in all respects, like reference characters will apply to similar parts on both sides of the frame.

By referring to Figure 2, it is seen that the locking bar 25 has a pair of overlapping notches cut in each side thereof in which the heddle bars 25 are adapted to be inserted. The first notch is out between shoulders 30 and 3| which is slightly wider than bar 25, and. then the notch is offset in a downward direction and has communicating therewith an overlapping notch which is disposed between shoulders 32 and 33. The shoulder has an upwardly inclined beveled surface 34 adjoining this notch. This beveled surface is provided in order to facilitate the insertion of the heddle bar 25 within the notch disposed between shoulders 32 and 33 to occupy the position shown in Figure 2. If desired the surface 35 may also be beveled, however it is not so essential as the beveling of surface 34. It should be noted in Figure 2 that a hooked portion overlaps the lower edge of bar 25 to confine this edge within the notch, whereas the upper portion is not confined but can be pulled laterally in order to remove the bar.

In Figure 3 the locking bar 2| is shown engaging the same heddle bars 25. The locking means in this bar is constructed along similar lines, however it should be noted that the overlapping hooked portion of this notch is disposed on the upper side of the bar 25. This locking means comprises a notch out between the shoulders 3i and 38 which is slightly wider than the width of the bar 25. Adjoining this notch is another notch which is offset upwardly which is disposed between the shoulders 39 and 40. A beveled surface 4| is disposed adjacent the shoulder 39 which is provided in order to facilitate the insertion of bar 25 within the notch disposed between the shoulders 39 and 40. Likewise a beveled surface 42 may be provided if desired. The notches for locking the bars 25 in the ball 22 are identical to the notches shown in bar 2| and like reference characters will be given like parts. Also the bars 20' and 2| have notches therein identical to the notches in bars 20 and 2| and a repeated description is not deemed necessary since they perform the same function.

In order to insert or to remove the heddle bars 25 from their respective notches, it is necessary to engage the bar at a point near one of the locking lugs and spring the bar axially until one edge thereof can be removed from the notch. For example, if it is desired to remove the bar 25 from. the locking means in bar 20, it is necessary to spring the upper portion of bar 25 outwardly from the center of the frame and then push the bar upwardly until it is disengaged from the notch. At the same time this same bar will be engaged by the locking means incorporated in the lug or member 2|. In order to remove the bar from this notch it is then. necessary to engage the bar at a point near this locking means and spring the lower portion thereof axially outwardly from the center line of the frame and then pull the bar downwardly. This operation is repeated until the bar is removed from all the notches across the frame. Since it is necessary to spring the bar axially in order to insert it within the notches in the members 20, 2!, 22, 20 and 2|, it is evident that after bars have once been inserted in these notches that the bars will remain in position, since the bars have the required amount of resiliency. Therefore by having the overlapping portions in one of the bar locks overlapping the lower side of the heddle bar and the overlapping portions for the succeeding bar overlapping the upper side of the bar, it is possible to hold the bar in a rigid position .at all times without the necessity of providing an extra member to accomplish this purpose.

The heddle bars 28 in the lower portion of the frame are held in identically the same manner as the heddle bars in the upper portion of the frame, that is, the same principle is involved by providing alternate overlapping projections for supporting the heddle bar. The repeated description of the mounting of the lower bars 28 will not be made since the upper bar 25 has been described in detail, but similar notches will be given similar reference characters.

In addition to providing this novel locking system I have also provided an intermediate brace or strut which not only has the locking system incorporated therein, but which also may be easily removed from the frame or attached thereto. The end connections of the brace 22 to the frame are identical therefore only one end connection will be described and like reference characters will apply to like parts on the other end. Located in the end of the bar is a transverse open-ended slot 45 which is adapted to fit over a pin 46, said pin being adapted to penetrate a bifurcated head of a bolt 41. The head of the bolt 41 is bifurcated, as stated, forming two lugs 48 and 49 between which the ends of bar 22 are adapted to fit to allow the openended slot 45 to fit over pin 45. The bolt 41 also has a longitudinal bore 50 in the head thereof adjacent the base of the slot in the head. Disposed within this bore is a spring 5| which normally presses a ball 52 into a suitable indentation or cavity 53 formed in the end of the member 22. When the ball is positioned as shown in Figure 4 it normally holds the ends of the bar 22 in their proper position and prevents the bar from becoming loose or from vibrating. The

ends of the bar 22 also have beveled surfaces 54 thereon which are adapted to contact the ball 52 when the bar is being inserted between the members 48 and 49. When this beveled surface contacts the ball it will force the ball 52 up wardly or downwardly, as the case might be, until the ball has ridden over into the cavity 53. The bolts 4'! are secured in the upper and lower members If! and l I by any suitable means such as wing nuts 55.

It is seen that the bar 22 can be easily removed from the central portion of the heddle frame after the bars 25 and 28 have been removed from their notches. It is only necessary to exert a nominal amount of pressure against the ends of the bar 22 to cause the same to be removed; however when the heddle bars are disposed within their respective notches it is almost impossible for the central bar or strut 22 to be removed since these bars assist the balls 52 in holding the bar in position.

The bars 25 and 28 have suitable heddles 5'! mounted thereon which heddles have eyelets 58 disposed in the central portion thereof for accommodating strands of the warp in a weaving operation.

Figures 6, 7, and 8 show a double heddle frame similar to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, with the exception that the upper heddle bars 25 are placed in staggered relation to each other. Likewise the lower heddle bars 28 are also placed in a staggered relation. In a frame of this type instead of providing members 253, 2! and 22, similar locking members 60, 6! and 82 are provided in lieu thereof. On the lower bar H similar locking members 63 and 64 are provided in lieu of members 26 and 21. The notches in all of these members are identical to the notches shown in the corresponding positions in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, therefore like reference characters will apply to like notches. The only difference in the structure of a frame built according to Figures 6, '7 and 8 and the form in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive is that the bars 25 and 28 on the right hand side of members 5, I and 8 are disposed at a slightly lower level from the bars on the left hand side of the frame.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show another slightly modified form which has notches identical to the notches shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 with the exception that this is an arrangement for a single frame instead of a double frame, that is, only two bars are provided for accommodating one row of heddles instead of having four bars for accommodating two rows. In this form the upper bar Illa has secured thereto locking mem-- bers 10, II and 12 in lieu of the members 20, 2! and 22 and the lower bar Ila has bars 13 and 14 provided in lieu of bars 26 and 2'! in Figures 2 and 3. Likewise the notches in this form of the invention are similar to the notches previously described and like reference characters will apply to similar notches.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a heddle frame, means for supporting a heddle bar intermediate its ends comprising a plurality of spaced members secured to said frame having alined notches therein having a vertical depth equidistant to the vertical height of the heddle bar and in which the heddle bar fits, one end of said notches having a shoulder against which one edge of the heddle bar fits, a projection integral with alternate spaced members overlapping one edge of the bar, a second proection integral with said other members overlapping the other edge of said bar, to confine both edges of said bar within said notches, the interior adjacent surface of each overlapping projection being inclined at an angle relative to the heddle bar when in position to allow said bar to be inserted or removed from said notches.

2. In a heddle frame, means for removably supporting a heddle bar intermediate its ends, comprising a member secured to the frame having vertically stepped notches therein for supporting the heddle bar, a second member secured to said frame in spaced relation to said first member and having vertically stepped notches therein stepped in an opposite direction to the notches in the first member for supporting the heddle bar, said first member having a projecting lip adjacent its recess for overlapping one edge of said bar, said second member having a projecting lip adjacent its recess for overlapping the other edge of said bar to confine both edges of said bar within said recesses, the interior proximate edge of each overlapping lip diverging at an angle relative to said heddle bars when in position to allow said bar to be inserted or removed from said recesses.

3. In a heddle frame having a top and bottom rail, means for removably supporting heddle bars within said frame, comprising spaced members secured to said rails and having alined vertically stepped notches therein of approximately the same overall dimensions as the cross sectional area of the heddle bars for supporting the ends of said bars, some of said notched members having an overlapping projection confining one edge of said heddle bars within their respective notches, said other notched members having an overlapping projection for confining the other edge of said heddle bar within their notches, the interior adjacent surface of each overlapping projection being inclined at an angle relative to the heddle bar when in position to allow said bar to be inserted or removed from said notches.

4. In a heddle frame having a top and bottom rail, means for removably supporting heddle bars within said frame, comprising spaced members secured to said rails and having alined notches therein for supporting the ends of said bars, some of said notched members having an overlapping projection confining one edge of said heddle bars within their respective notches, said other notched members having an overlapping projection for confining the other edge of said heddle bar within their notches, a brace removably secured between the intermediate portions of said topand bottom rails, said brace having notches therein for removably supporting the intermediate portions of said heddle bars, and spring pressed detents normally engaging the opposed ends of said brace to hold the same in latched position.

5. In a heddle frame having upper and. lower parallel frame members disposed horizontally, said frame having upper and lower heddle bars for the reception of heddles thereon, means for securing the upper heddle bars to the upper frame member, means for securing the lower heddle bar to the lower frame member, both of said means comprising locking bars extending from the proximate edges of said frame members and having vertically stepped notches therein of approximately the same overall dimension as the cross-sectional area of the heddle bar, with alternate locking bars having their notches stepped in a direction reverse to the direction of the notches in the proximate locking bars.

6. In a heddle frame having upper and lower parallel frame members disposed horizontally, said frame having upper and lower heddle bars for the reception of heddles thereon, means for securing the upper heddle bars to the upper frame member, means for securing the lower heddle bar to the lower frame member, both of said means comprising locking bars extending from the proximate edges of said frame members and having vertically stepped notches therein of approximately the same overall dimension as the cross-sectional area of the heddle bar, with alternate locking bars having their notches stepped in a direction reverse to the direction of the notches in the proximate locking bars, and a vertically disposed bar releasably connected to the upper and lower frame members and having also therein stepped notches for receiving the heddle bars.

'7. In a heddle frame, means for supporting the heddle bars intermediate their ends comprising a member connected to the edge of the frame and having a recess in the edge thereof of approximately the overall dimensions of the crosssectional area of a heddle bar, said member also having a second recess of approximately the same size as the first recess and being vertically alined with the first recess and communicating with the first recess but having the upper and lower ends thereof disposed in a different horizontal plane from that occupied by the ends of the first recess whereby a heddle bar can be inserted in the first recess and then twisted and moved in a vertical plane While also being moved in a horizontal plane into the second recess.

8. In a heddle frame having upper and lower heddle bars, means for supporting said heddle bars comprising members secured to the proximate edges of the frame, each of said members having along one edge thereof a recess whose upper and lower ends are stepped in the same direction and in the same amount, the size of each step in said recesses being substantially the same as the overall cross-sectional area of said heddle bar, whereby a heddle bar can first be inserted onto the first steps and by torsional movement of the bar it can be inserted into the second stepped portion of the ends of said recess, every alternate one of said members having their recesses stepped in a direction opposite to the direction of stepping in the other members.

9. In a heddle frame having upper and lower heddle bars, means for supporting said heddle bars comprising members secured to the proximate edges of the frame, each of said members having along one edge thereof a recess whose upper and lower ends are stepped in the same direction and in the same amount, the size of each step in said recesses being substantially the same as the overall cross-sectional area of said heddle bar, whereby a heddle bar can first be inserted onto the first steps and by torsional movement of the bar it can be inserted into the second stepped portion of the ends of said recess, alternate members having their recesses stepped in a direction opposite to the other members.

10. A heddle frame having heddle bars comprising upper and lower frame members, means for securing the frame members together at their ends in spaced relation, means for securing said frame members together intermediate their ends comprising a bar having a notch in its edge near its upper and lower ends, a pair of fittings secured to the proximate edges of said frame members and each having a pin therein adapted to fit into said notches, spring-pressed detents for holding said bar in engaging position on said pins, and one edge of said bar having a pair of recesses communicating with each other and stepped vertically with relation to each other for the reception of a heddle bar, the size of each recess being substantially the same as the overall cross-sectional area of said heddle bar.

GEORGE F. BAHAN. 

